Following an investigation into the recent Marburg virus outbreak, Rwandan health officials have identified fruit bats as the primary source of transmission. The index case was traced to a mine where fruit bats reside, prompting swift action by the Ministry of Health to limit further spread.
To protect miners, a wall has been installed to separate working areas from the bats’ habitat, announced Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. “This barrier is intended to reduce direct contact between humans and bats, significantly lowering the risk of transmission,” he explained. Additionally, a team of doctors has been deployed to monitor miners’ health daily, with similar safety measures implemented in other mines where bats are present.
Beyond immediate containment, the Ministry of Health has increased efforts to ensure that recovered Marburg patients remain vigilant. Dr. Nsanzimana noted that survivors must take ongoing precautions, as the virus can persist in the body for extended periods, posing a risk of reactivation or transmission. “The virus is complicated,” he said. “Sometimes, a small amount of it may remain hidden in parts of the body and could be transmitted to others.”
Health officials remain cautious, as the duration the virus can stay in the human body varies widely among individuals and is not yet fully understood. “It can be weeks, months, or even a year; it depends on the person’s body,” Dr. Nsanzimana explained. To address this uncertainty, the Ministry of Health has launched a one-year research study to document Marburg cases and assess the virus’s persistence in different bodily fluids.
Recovered patients are being tested regularly—every 72 hours—until they are confirmed virus-free. “Recovery means the patient’s blood is free from the virus, but we continue testing to confirm,” Dr. Nsanzimana said, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to prevent any potential resurgence.
The virus has been known to linger in certain body parts even after recovery, with semen identified as the highest-risk area, sometimes harboring the virus for months. “For men, the virus can persist in semen long after recovery, which is why we advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sex until fully cleared,” Nsanzimana noted. The virus may also persist in the eyes, potentially affecting vision, and in breast milk, which could impact nursing mothers.
The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with survivors, providing them guidance to minimize risk while urging the public to avoid stigmatizing recovered patients. Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized that ongoing testing and follow-up care are essential to ensure patients remain virus-free and to prevent potential outbreaks.
Routine monitoring extends to areas such as urine, saliva, blood, and breast milk to confirm that all traces of the virus are cleared. “We will continue to follow up with patients for as long as it takes, even if it means monitoring one person for six months, until they test negative,” Dr. Nsanzimana assured.
Rwanda reported its first Marburg case on September 27. Currently, only two patients remain in isolation, and their conditions are reportedly stable. The government’s measures underscore Rwanda’s commitment to patient care and proactive virus containment, aiming to ensure the country remains Marburg-free.
